Youth re-Learn & share project best practices at RAFI-Kool Adventure Camp Alumni Homecoming

More than 150 alumni of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc – Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) gathered to share best practices in the implementation of their school and community projects in the Alumni Homecoming 2015 with the theme “Taking Flight, Creating Change” held in KAC Adventure Education Center, Balamban last Oct. 24 to 25.

Just to share, I am also an alumni of the program. While the events are fun in themselves, RAFI-KAC is a serious business, promoting self-confidence, trust, optimism, positive attitude, courage and the assumption of one’s responsibility for their future; whether that maybe in pursuing one's business ideas, community projects or the like advocacies.

The projects implemented that was shared encompass the areas of education, health, environment, youth and community development, culture and arts.

KAC alumni campers ready to go! "Oo, syempre!"

The participants from the different public high schools, universities and organizations in Cebu City and Cebu Province include: Lilo-an National High School, Toledo City Science High School, Talisay City Science High School, Minglanilla National Science High School, Alcoy National High School, Looc Norte National High School, Alliance of Argawanon Young Leaders, Argao Youth Heritage Society, Don Andres Soriano National High School.

Testimonials

The two-day event benefitted the participants to learn from the sharing and discussions from the invited speakers and RAFI’s partners from Luzon and Visayas. Resource Mobilization, Stewardship in the Community, Personal Leadership and Creating Change through Environmental Involvement are the topics discussed during the event.

. Jamaal Jamed Calipayan, KAC Alumnus from the City Government of Mandaue, on his inpirational message

“I am very encouraged with the results of KAC. I see the energy and the hands that are really involved. Through the camp, I hope that everyone will no longer be afraid to share and face their fears. The KAC alumni are now in the position to act, to start the change from themselves”, shared RAFI President, Roberto Aboitiz.

Among the speakers were alumni campers Tristan Aboitiz of Pilmico, Atty. Jamaal Calipayan of the City Government of Mandaue, Joe Aperdo of the Alliance of Argawanon Young Leaders, Rene “Tatay Ite” Vendiola of the 5th RAFI Triennial Awards, Tobit Cruz of Angat Kabataan, Elisabeth Baumgart of Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association, Jerome Muñoz of KAC Operations Support, Atty. Christine Red and Ariel Baquillos both from Timawa (first alumni group of KAC).

Some of the alumni say that they have already conquered the dragons (also known as the Challenge Ropes Course elements of KAC), others say that they have done more than three but in the new KAC Adventure Education Center in Balamban, what is exactly the correct number of elements? Well, in the photo you can see two of the new higher challenges – Spacewalk and Cargo Net. And yes, currently KAC has 28 challenge ropes course elements!

Merliza Ipis, one of the KAC alumni from Toledo Science High School shared that "..big projects come from small ideas and that is with teamwork every problem can be resolved."

“I really miss everybody. After 16 years, it is really an honor to be in front of my co-alumni campers and share my KAC experience. The best thing that happened after I experienced the camp is that I realized that I have the power, that I am not a “nobody” but I am “somebody” who can do something and create positive change. I hope all of the KAC alumni will not stop doing change because the camp is not just for the big group but it is for every individual personally,” shared Ariel Baquillos, alumnus from Camp 1 since KAC started in 1999.

On the second day of the event, KAC also recognized the People’s Choice Awardees.  Minglanilla National Science High School received the Best in Project Display for Exhibit, Best Project Presentation and Best Project Presenter. The People’s Choice Award for Best Project is the school project implemented by Toledo Science High School.

About RAFI's Kool Adventure Camp

KAC has been offering adventure education programs for leadership and team development for youth and professionals for the last decade. It is a program under the Leadership and Citizenship focus area of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

Let's not forget, the people making KAC possible today. KAC staff with partners from the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

Kool Adventure Camp empowers through the 28 kinds of challenge course high elements. A Challenge Ropes Course (CRC) consists of aesthetically designed series of ropes, cables and wood poles combined in such a way as to simulate challenges that might be found in a natural setting. The CRC is a tool in an experiential education program, offering groups and individuals the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical and emotional risk taking.

CRC programs give individuals the opportunity to increase their communication skills while becoming more resilient in overcoming self imposed limits & fears, while groups learn to be more interdependent and collaborative. Attempting and succeeding in this type of activity often gives one a feeling of accomplishment, self-worth, elation and recognition that seemingly impossible situations are in fact quite possible.

It has recently opened the Philippines’ first fully dedicated adventure education center last August 2. For more information on KAC and its services, contact 260-9000 local 1001 and look for Althea May Santillan, or visit www.kac.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/kooladventurecamp.